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A Beautiful Fall Day!

By Andrea Winkjer Collin, Editor, North Dakota Horizons

One endearing trait about North Dakotans is we have a personal relationship with the weather.  When it's supposed to be nice and it isn't we take it as a personal insult.  When pleasant weather comes after a rough patch, we say we deserve it. But, when the really bad weather comes, like last spring's floods and storms, we hunker down and get ourselves and our neighbors through the rough time without too much complaining, and are known to say it could have been worse.

Today -- this whole week, actually -- is a spell of weather I would say we "deserved."  After a cool and wet October, this first week of November has been a treat -- even last Saturday was decent, and we all know how bad it can be on Halloween!  Besides, it was a year ago this weekend that a dandy blizzard heralded the start of what was a very long winter.

I realize that the hunters who hit the fields at noon today for the opening of deer season prefer to have cooler weather -- but I'm not a hunter, so it doesn't apply to me.

Anyway, I am enjoying this beautiful North Dakota fall day, and I hope wherever you are, you are enjoying it, too.

This beautiful fall picture reminds me of today.  It is of the Pembina Gorge and is one of the 13 featured photos in the 2010 North Dakota Horizons scenic calendar.  Photographer Dave Nix talks about capturing this image in the feature on our 2010 calendar in the fall issue of North Dakota Horizons. 

Here's a hint for the list you may be starting to compile for Christmas gifts -- For only $23.95 you can purchase a one-year magazine subscription AND a 2010 calendar!  It's a one-size-fits-all gift for anyone who has a personal connection to North Dakota. Order it by calling 866-462-0744 or online on our website. 

Have a great weekend!

North Dakota's Birthday Mystery

By Andrea Winkjer Collin, Editor, North Dakota Horizons

If you were looking for an excuse to eat cake today, I have the perfect reason -- today is North Dakota's 120th birthday!

After enjoying your cake, you could also hum a few bars of "Happy Birthday" -- or better yet, "You Gotta Go Ta North Dakota" -- our official, unofficial state song. 

But, while you are celebrating, you should also know that there is intrigue and mystery connected with this special day on the Northern Plains.  Here's the "rest of the story," compliments of my husband, Rick, who works at the State Historical Society.

It was on November 2, 1889, that President Benjamin Harrison had before him the documents to sign into statehood North Dakota and South Dakota. There had been much rivalry between the northern and southern parts of Dakota Territory.  The Territorial Capitol being moved in great controversy from Yankton to Bismarck stoked this tension.  So like a father dealing with squabbling children, President Harrison tried to avoid making it worse with the signing of the statehood papers.  But who should enter the Union first to be the 39th state instead of the 40th?  It was a true Presidential dilemma!

So, in an effort to avoid any charges of favoritism, the President directed his Secretary of State James G. Blaine to cover all but the signature lines on the documents and then shuffle them several times until no one knew which document was which.  He then signed them and Blaine again shuffled them several times before they were removed so no one would know which document had been signed first.

Of course, this couldn't last forever.  One had to be first and it was the alphabet that ultimately decided it.  Because N comes before S in the alphabet, North Dakota was listed in the federal statutes as the 39th state.  And South Dakota -- whether it really was or not -- was listed as number 40.

Today, thankfully, North Dakota and South Dakota get along pretty well.  (Although we North Dakotans are always annoyed when people who know nothing about the Dakotas ask us if we have Mount Rushmore in our state.)  So, in a gesture of good will, I suggest you contact a few acquaintances in South Dakota today and wish them them a happy birthday for their state, too.  It's the least we can do to our neighbors to the south for ultimately trumping them in the statehood entry records 120 years ago!

Prairie Home Companion a Halloween Treat

By Andrea Winkjer Collin, Editor, North Dakota Horizons

Bring on the Halloween tricks!  I've already had my treat!  I just returned from the Bismarck Civic Center where I enjoyed the live performance of Prairie Home Companion, which was brought to Bismarck for the first time.  It has been in Grand Forks twice, and I attended the last show there in March 2006. 

Joining Garrison Keillor tonight were several regional performers, notably Mandan native Andra Suchy, whose father, Chuck, performed at the last show in Grand Forks (and was profiled in the Winter 2005 issue of North Dakota Horizons.) She has become a regular PHC performer and her smooth voice blends beautifully with Keillor's. 

Prairie Public Radio's host of the "Hear It Now" afternoon talk show, Merrill Piepkorn, and Alex Rydell, Gregg Temple and Roger Sell brought their band, The Radio Stars, to perform several Western-style selections on guitar, harmonica, fiddle and bass.  Fisher, Minnesota, champion yodeler Janet Sorenson added a completely unique dimension to the music, yodeling solo and with opera soprano Maria Jette.  I don't believe I've ever heard yodeling with traditional church hymns!

Halloween night provided ample material for skits and creative costumes, and Keillor was taken to task several times for his North Dakota jokes in previous shows.  But there was also ample praise for the quality of life and vibrant economy that our state is enjoying. 

There is some magic in live radio, and watching it all unfold as opposed to only listening to it is a real treat!  It is definitely something to treasure in this age of Ipods and MP3s!

I left the show feeling, once again, proud to be a North Dakotan, and appreciating the great creativity and talent that goes into this very unique show.

Our Prairie Public Radio station airs tonight's show again at 2 p.m. tomorrow, and I intend to savor it again a second time as a member of the radio audience.  Previous week's shows and other information can be found at the Prairie Home Companion website. Check it out for a great Halloween treat!

Shown here are Keillor with Andra Suchy, the Radio Stars, and the performers taking a curtain call.

 

  

North Dakota's Niche

By Andrea Winkjer Collin, Editor, North Dakota Horizons

I hate it when this happens! The same week the new North Dakota Blue Book comes out that features the many ways that our state has a world impact, comes the news that we are now the country's fourth largest oil producer.  Until now, North Dakota had been ranked fifth, but news this week puts our oil production numbers above Louisiana's.  The three states with more oil production are Texas, Alaska and California.

This morning Secretary of State Al Jaeger presented the ceremonial "first" North Dakota Blue Book to Governor John Hoeven in a ceremony at the state capitol. And, I'm not really upset about this news about our increased oil production. But as one of the people who has helped in the publication of the biennial North Dakota Blue Book since 1995, I hate it when information in the book is outdated by the time it is published. It comes with being an editor.

But, this illustrates the point we were making in the theme of this publication, which has come out every two years since since 1995 and 28 times since statehood. Published by the North Dakota Secretary of State, the feature chapter theme is "North Dakota's Niche in the World," and it covers the state's global impact in military, agriculture, commerce, and natural resources and geology.  A significant section tells about North Dakota soldiers in every world military conflict, and the book's chapter title pages show state soldiers serving around the world.

The rest of the 625-page book profiles the state's elected officials, agencies. symbols and awards, judicial system, legislators, federal and state relationships, education highlights and election updates.  A new addition to this book is a description of every measure that has been brought before North Dakota voters since statehood.

If you are "into" North Dakota information, this is a must-have addition to your library!  It also makes a great gift! The Museum Store at the North Dakota Heritage Center (701-328-2879) sells the book for $20.  It will soon be available to purchase on its website, and it can also be purchased online at www.dakotabooknet.com.

Report from Goosefest

By Tessa Sandstrom, North Dakota Horizons Guest Blogger

Former North Dakota Horizons staff writer Tessa Sandstrom wrote about the Kenmare Goosefest in the Fall 2008 issue.  She's back in Kenmare again this year and sends this report:

At the Kenmare Goosefest. Tomorrow is the day of the big shoot and the girls and I are entered for the third year. We have been out since sunrise scouting. We found a few big flocks, so now we are just waiting to hear back from the landowner on whether or not we can hunt there. We've visited with them and they are really nice, so we are hopeful! They already gave permission to some other hunters and that's the only hold-up - making sure we don't get in the way of each other.
 
I've attached a few pictures and a video of the snow geese we saw today. It always amazes me at how large the groups get and the amount of noise they make. Even if you aren't a hunter, the sounds and sight of them just send shivers down your back. It's really, really cool to see and hear.
 
Tonight is the big Calcutta, which is where people can bid on teams and if they bid on the winning team, they get a large chunk of the pooled money. Some teams that win often go for as much as more than $1,000. We usually go for a couple hundred. Who knows? If we can get on that land, we may make a pretty good showing!
 
We are headed out for an evening scout before heading to the Calcutta. It's such a fun time here during the Goosefest, and I'm really looking forward to the shoot tomorrow and the festivities that follow!
 
Just thought I'd give you a brief update on what is happening up in Kenmare!

Here's video of just a few of Kenmare's geese from earlier today: Download PA220311

 

Calendar Captures North Dakota Beauty

By Andrea Winkjer Collin, Editor, North Dakota Horizons

As I sit at my desk, diligently working at my computer, directly above me is the 2009 North Dakota Horizons scenic calendar.  This means that whenever I drift into daydreaming, or wherever it is I go to sort through creative thoughts, these beautiful images of North Dakota are the first place my eyes go.

Just yesterday, as I was gazing at Gerald Blank's October photo, it occurred to me that this image very effectively captures North Dakota in autumn.  Two deer give the camera a fleeting look. Fall colors decorate several trees and bushes. Rugged buttes paint the background. And, wispy clouds drift across a pale blue sky.  AHHHHH!  North Dakota! 

Our fall issue of North Dakota Horizons profiled Gerald and the four other photographers who contributed to our 2010 calendar.  Their inspirations for photos are always a good story, especially when the rest of us drive by these very same scenes --- and if we stop to take a picture, they don't very often turn out like theirs do!

Our 2010 calendar has 13 more stunning photos.  If you do not have our annual calendars at work and at home, you are missing out on enjoying all that makes North Dakota such a special state.  As every day that passes brings us closer to the Christmas shopping season, keep in mind what great gifts these calendars are for everyone on your gift-giving list.

You can place calendar orders directly from our website. We also offer special subscription and calendar packages -- and discounts on multiple calendar orders.  We also mail the calendars to people on your list from our office if you supply us the addresses.  And, if you are not a North Dakota Horizons subscriber, our website has ordering options for both print and online editions.

It's our way of simplifying your holiday shopping needs while sharing with the world the beauty of our state.  Now, back to my daydreaming!

Pride of Dakota

By Annika Plummer, Staff Assistant, North Dakota Horizons

The Fall issue of North Dakota Horizons should be in your mailbox - I hope you have enjoyed every article. Wasn't that a beautiful cover image by Burdette (Burt) Calkins?

In every fall issue, Horizons has a special advertising section featuring Pride of Dakota companies. When I was a student at Dickinson State University, I had an opportunity to be an intern at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. The Ag Department runs the Pride of Dakota program, and I was fortunate enough to work with these amazing companies. It was a pleasure to be working with them again - this time through the Horizons magazine.

The Pride of Dakota program features companies that produce, process or manufacture a final product in North Dakota. You can find gift items, food, health and beauty products, books and much more!

This year's advertisers in the Fall issue of North Dakota Horizons were:
* Able, Inc.
* BlueSystems Press
* Candlelight Cottage
* ComMark, Inc.
* Davy Pottery
* Germans from Russia Heritage Collection
* Just for You Jewelry and Beads
* Karen's Kuchens
* Maple River Winery
* Morning Star Ranch
* Paulson Premium Seed and Conditioning
* Premium Gold Flax
* Red Roaster Coffee Co.
* Vivian's Magnetic Bracelets

One of the best ways to discover different Pride of Dakota products is to attend a Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase. The Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcases are worth attending - thousands of people attend the four different locations. Mark your calendars to attend these upcoming shows:
* November 7-8 - Grand Forks Alerus Center
* November 14-15 - Minot All Seasons Arena
* November 20-22 - Fargo Civic Auditorium
* December 4-6 - Bismarck Civic Center

Learn more about the Pride of Dakota program on its website.

And if you're looking for another great gift - be sure to check out the Horizons website and order a 2010 North Dakota Horizons calendar! 

Get Along Little Doggies

By Annika Plummer, Staff Assistant, North Dakota Horizons

This is the time of year when ranchers start weaning their calves. It was my pleasure to be one of the gatherers at the Obrigewitch's weaning a couple of weeks ago. They have a ranch in the badlands north of Medora, and the land is rugged and beautiful.

There were 15 riders on horseback that day to help gather the herd. That may seem like a lot of riders, but in the pasture we were riding in, every rider was necessary! There are deep coulees, water crossings, hills and brush - in other words, lots of places for calves to hide.

In this pasture, the riders are split up - some go north and others go south - so that we can push the cows to one central location and then together push them toward the weaning corrals. It's quite a sight to see all of the cows and calves headed in one direction!

Once the herd is safely trapped in the weaning corrals, a crew sorts the cows off to kick them back out into the pasture. The calves are loaded into waiting trailers, where they are then trucked to a feedlot near the home place. The calves will be fed for several months before they are sold. The corral crew is a tough one - they need to be to push the healthy, stocky calves into the trailers!

Weaning day is a big day - up early in the morning and finished usually just at dusk. It's more than the work, though. It's about the wildlife you see (four nice bucks), the visit you have with a relative while you're trailing the herd, the cool morning air, the smell of fall and the feeling of a job well done.

Do any Horizons readers have a similar story about weaning or ranch work? Share it with us in the comments to this blog. We'd love to hear from you!

Photos (top to bottom): Trailing cows in the pasture; Duane rides down a hill; Coy Obrigewitch (left) and Jolene Obrigewitch push the cows across a low spot; pushing the cows into the weaning corrals; the whole operation from atop a hill; calf pushers Luke, Chad and Ryan; one of the calves; and Jen Obrigewitch, on her horse Stoney, herds the cows toward the weaning corrals.   

Books with North Dakota and Norwegian Roots

By Annika Plummer, Staff Assistant, North Dakota Horizons

The Norsk Hostfest in Minot is North America's largest Scandinavian festival. There are thousands of people who flock to the Hostfest to get their fix of music, food, shopping and more. You can find vendors with Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic and Finnish goods and eat rommegrot, risengrot, potato klub, lutefisk and other Scandinavian delicacies!

This year, I had an opportunity to volunteer again at the Scandinavian Heritage Bookstore. It is a great fit for my interests; I love to read and enjoy sharing my favorite books with others. Although North Dakota Horizons didn't have a booth at Hostfest, authors we have featured in our "Books with Dakota Roots" section of the magazine were signing autographs in the bookstore.

Lauraine Snelling, author of the popular Red River, Return to Red River and Daughters of Blessing series, was happily signing copies of her newest book, A Measure of Mercy, the first book in the Home to Blessing series (which is featured in the "Books with Dakota Roots" in the Fall 2009 issue of Horizons). These series are all set in Blessing, North Dakota, a fictional town. However, Drayton, North Dakota, claims Blessing as its own, and in July of this year, put on a play about Snelling's Red River series. Be sure to read your Summer 2009 issue of Horizons to learn more! Check out Snelling's website here.

Another North Dakota author was also signing books at the Hostfest - Roanne Henke. "Fiction that find blessing in the broken" is the theme of her books; they are all very thought provoking and powerful books about friendship, love and relationships. And they're set in North Dakota! Henke's books have also been featured in our "Books with Dakota Roots" section, and she was also featured in our Winter 2006 issue. Visit Henke's website here. 

Another book that caught my eye was The Boys From Vangen: Vangsgutane. The book contains little stories and cartoons, first published in 1941, about two hard-working boys in Norway who became role models for Norwegian children. The book is bilingual - written in both English and Norwegian! Alexander Knud Huntrods, a student at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks in massage therapy, was the one to translate the book. I find it charming! Click here to learn more about the book.

The Norsk Hostfest wasn't just about books for me - I did participate in the annual Bunad Style Show. I have a beautiful Hardanger bunad and it is fun to show it off! Bunads are the traditional costume of Norway. There are many different types of bunads, specific to different areas in Norway. They are beautiful!

If you've never visited the Norsk Hostfest, I encourage you to do so! It is an exciting place to both learn about different cultures and sit in on some great entertainment - and even get some recommendations on a good book!

Photos (top to bottom): Annika Plummer in her bunad at the Scandinavian Heritage Bookstore; Lauraine Snelling visits with a fan after signing one of her books; Snelling's newest book, A Measure of Mercy; Roxanne Henke signs a book for a fan; Henke's popular books After Anne, Finding Ruth and Becoming Olivia; Alexander Knud Huntrods holds a copy of The Boys From Vangen: Vangsgutane; Huntrods, Plummer and Stig Herjuaune, one of the others involved in the printing of The Boys From Vangen: Vangsgutane; Helene Anderson, right, shows off her bunad with two others before the Bunad Style Show (Anderson is the co-coordinator of the style show); and a little girl shows off her bunad. 

Dakota at Autumn

By Annika Plummer, Staff Assistant, North Dakota Horizons

Not long ago, I was looking through some old issues of North Dakota Horizons and found this poem, written by Jo Ann Winistorfer of Bismarck, published in the Fall 1972 edition. I thought it was a beautiful poem and wanted to share it with you.

The photos were taken at Papa's Pumpkin Patch in Bismarck. Click here to view a recent post about my experience there.

 
Dakota at Autumn
By Jo Ann Winistorfer, Bismarck, North Dakota

Dakota at autumn,
a portrait in gold,
Repeating the cycle
of ages untold,
Sends dying reflections
in day's ebbing light
As the evening of seasons
prepares for the night.

The blazing horizons
at setting of sun
Signals to nighttime
that daytime is done.
The harvest moon rises,
and framed in her light,
The V-silhouette of wild geese
in their flight.

Is caught in that moment,
suspended in space,
Ageless and timeless
in beauty and grace.
Mournful the song
of the wild honkers' cry,
Sounded in minor key, 
flung to the sky,

Faltering, fading,
till infinity
Swallows all trace
of its sad symphony.
An echo of silence
still hangs on the air,
Pervading the mist
that is gathering there.

The moon mounts the sky
and the dusk becomes night.
The prairie is bathed
in ethereal light
As Dakota at autumn
lies waiting and still
For the frost's icy touch
and the wind's winter chill.